WA HB1527

Settlement demands or offers made before mandatory mediation in health care claims cannot be set to expire before the parties attend mediation in good faith

Applies to actions subject to mandatory mediation under RCW 7.70.100 (existing health care claims mediation requirement)

Addresses concerns that mandatory mediation currently often occurs late in litigation or shortly before trial

Intended to promote more effective mediation and earlier resolution of health care malpractice cases

Aims to help mitigate rising medical malpractice insurance premiums, particularly for high-risk specialties like obstetrics, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine